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TIRE CARE
Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to wear
abnormally. Inspect all your tires, including the spare, frequently, and
replace them if one or more of the following conditions exist:
Tire wear
When the tread is worn down to
1/16th of an inch (2 mm), tires must
be replaced to help prevent your
vehicle from skidding and
hydroplaning. Built-in treadwear
indicators, or “wear bars”, which
look like narrow strips of smooth
rubber across the tread will appear
on the tire when the tread is worn
down to 1/16th of an inch (2 mm).
When the tire tread wears down to
the same height as these “wear bars”, the tire is worn out and must be
replaced.
Damage
Periodically inspect the tire treads and sidewalls for damage (such as
bulges in the tread or sidewalls, cracks in the tread groove and
separation in the tread or sidewall). If damage is observed or suspected
have the tire inspected by a tire professional. Tires can be damaged
during off-road use, so inspection after off-road use is also
recommended.
Age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is
recommended that tires generally be replaced after 6 years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions
can accelerate the aging process.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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Towing trailers beyond the maximum tongue weight exceeds the
limit of the towing system and could result in vehicle structural
damage, loss of vehicle control and personal injury.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within
1 2” (13 mm) of the reference point.
After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in
Step 2.
Note:Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is
higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load
equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
If you own a trailer with a hydraulic brake system, do not
connect the trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. The vehicle’s brake system is only designed to
carry the appropriate amount of brake fluid for the vehicle alone.
Connecting a hydraulic trailer braking system could adversely affect
your vehicle’s braking performance.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
F–250 Regular Cab and SuperCab
Dimension Body style
Regular
Cab 4x2 –
inches
(mm)Regular
Cab 4x4 –
inches
(mm)SuperCab
4x2 –
inches
(mm)SuperCab
4x4 –
inches
(mm)
(1) Overall
height76.5 (1943) 79.1 (2009) 76.8 (1951)
b79.4 (2017)b
(2) Track -
Front/Rear68.3
(1734)/67.2
(1706)68.3 (1736) /
67.2 (1706)68.3 (1734) /
67.2 (1706)68.3 (1736) /
67.2 (1706)
(3) Overall
width79.9 (2029) 79.9 (2029) 79.9 (2029) 79.9 (2029)
(4)
Wheelbase137.0
(3480)137.0 (3480) 141.8
(3602)
a
158.0
(4013)b
141.8
(3602)a
158.0
(4013)b
(5) Overall
length226.4
(5751)226.4 (5751) 231.2
(5872)a
247.4
(6284)b
231.2
(5872)a
247.4
(6284)b
a
Short BoxbLong Box
F–250 Crew Cab
Dimension Body style
Crew Cab
4x2, Short
box -
inches
(mm)Crew Cab
4x4, Short
box - inches
(mm)Crew Cab
4x2, Long
box - inches
(mm)Crew Cab
4x4, Long
box - inches
(mm)
(1) Overall
height77.5 (1969) 80.0 (2032) 77.3 (1963) 79.9 (2029)
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Dimension Body style
Crew Cab
4x2, Short
box -
inches
(mm)Crew Cab
4x4, Short
box - inches
(mm)Crew Cab
4x2, Long
box - inches
(mm)Crew Cab
4x4, Long
box - inches
(mm)
(2) Track -
Front/Rear68.3
(1734)/
67.2 (1706)68.3 (1736)/
67.2 (1706)68.3 (1734)/
67.2 (1706)68.3 (1736)/
67.2 (1706)
(3) Overall
width79.9 (2029) 79.9 (2029) 79.9 (2029) 79.9 (2029)
(4)
Wheelbase156.2
(3967)156.2 (3967) 172.4 (4379) 172.4 (4379)
(5) Overall
length245.6
(6238)245.6 (6238) 261.8 (6650) 261.8 (6650)
F–350 (except Crew Cab)
Dimension Body style
Regular
Cab
Chassis
Cab -
inches
(mm)SuperCab
Chassis
Cab -
inches
(mm)Regular
Cab Style
Side -
inches
(mm)SuperCab
Style Side -
inches
(mm)
(1) Overall
height76.9 (1953)
a
77.1 (1958)b
81.6 (2073)c
80.0 (2032)d
77.4 (1966)a
77.4 (1966)b
81.5 (2070)c
80.2 (2037)d
76.8 (1951)a
76.7 (1948)b
80.8 (2052)c
79.6 (2022)d
77.3
(1963)a,e
77.1
(1958)a,f
77.0 (1956)b
81.4
(2068)c,e
81.2
(2062)c,f
79.6 (2022)d
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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F–350 Crew Cab
DimensionBody style
Crew Cab
Chassis Cab -
inches (mm)Crew Cab,
Short box -
inches (mm)Crew Cab,
Long box -
inches (mm)
(1) Overall
height77.9 (1979)
a/
77.9 (1979)b/
81.8 (2078)c/
80.8 (2052)d
77.8 (1976)a/
77.6 (1971)b/
81.8 (2078)c/
80.1 (2035)d
77.6 (1971)a/
77.4 (1966)b/
81.7 (2075)c/
80.0 (2032)d
(2a) Track -
Front68.3 (1734)a/
68.9 (1751)b/
68.3 (1736)c/
69.0 (1753)d
68.3 (1734)a/
68.9 (1751)b/
68.3 (1736)c/
69.0 (1753)d
68.3 (1734)a/
68.9 (1751)b/
68.3 (1736)c/
69.0 (1753)d
(2b) Track -
Rear68.1 (1730)a,c/
71.0 (1803)b,d67.2 (1706)a,c/
74.6 (1896)b,d67.2 (1706)a,c/
74.6 (1896)b,d
(3) Overall
width79.9 (2029)a,c/
92.2 (2342)b, d79.9 (2029)a,c/
95.5 (2426)b, d79.9 (2029)a,c
95.5 (2426)b,d
(4) Wheelbase 176.2 (4475) 156.2 (3967) 172.4 (4379)
(5) Overall
length261.0 (6629) 245.6 (6238) 261.8 (6650)
a4x2 Single Rear Wheel (SRW)b4x2 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW)c4x4 Single Rear Wheel (SRW)d4x4 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW)
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USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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F–450
Dimension Body style
Regular
Cab
Chassis 4x2
– inches
(mm)Regular
Cab
Chassis 4x4
– inches
(mm)SuperCab
Chassis
4x2/4x4 –
inches
(mm)Crew Cab
Chassis
4x2/4x4 –
inches
(mm)
(1) Overall
height80.6 (2047)
a
80.5
(2045)b,c
80.2 (2037)d
80.7 (2050)a
80.5 (2045)b
80.0
(2032)c,d
80.5 (2045) 80.8 (2052) -
4x2
80.9 (2055) -
4x4
(2) Track -
Front / Rear74.8 (1900) /
74.0 (1880)74.8 (1900) /
74.0 (1880)74.8 (1900) /
74.0 (1880)74.8 (1900) /
74.0 (1880)
(3) Overall
width93.6 (2377) 93.6 (2377) 93.6 (2377) 93.6 (2377)
(4)
Wheelbase140.8 (3576)
164.8 (4186)
188.8 (4796)
200.8 (5100)140.8 (3576)
164.8 (4186)
188.8 (4796)
200.8 (5100)161.8 (4110) 176.2 (4475)
200.2 (5085)
(5) Overall
length225.6
(5730)
a
249.6
(6340)b
273.6
(6949)c
285.6
(7254)d
225.6
(5730)a
249.6
(6340)b
273.6
(6949)c
285.6
(7254)d
246.6 (6264) 261.0
(6629)e
285.0
(7239)f
a
140.8” (3576 mm) wheel baseb164.8” (4186 mm) wheel basec188.8” (4795 mm) wheel based200.8” (5100 mm) wheel basee176.2” (4475 mm) wheel basef200.2” (5085 mm) wheel base
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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F–550
Dimension Body style
Regular
Cab
Chassis
Cab 4x2 –
inches
(mm)Regular
Cab
Chassis
Cab 4x4 –
inches
(mm)Crew Cab
Chassis
Cab 4x2 –
inches
(mm)Crew Cab
Chassis
Cab 4x4 –
inches
(mm)
(1) Overall
height81.7 (2075)
a
81.4
(2068)b,c
81.1 (2060)d
81.7 (2075)a
81.2 (2062)b
81.1 (2060)c
80.7 (2050)d
81.5 (2070) 81.4 (2068)
(2) Track -
Front / Rear74.8 (1900) /
74.0 (1880)74.8 (1900) /
74.0 (1880)74.8 (1900) /
74.0 (1880)74.8 (1900) /
74.0 (1880)
(3) Overall
width93.6 (2377) 93.6 (2377) 93.6 (2377) 93.6 (2377)
(4)
Wheelbase140.8 (3576)
164.8 (4186)
188.8 (4796)
200.8 (5100)140.8 (3576)
164.8 (4186)
188.8 (4796)
200.8 (5100)161.8 (4110) 176.2 (4475)
200.2 (5085)
(5) Overall
length225.6
(5730)
a
249.6
(6340)b
273.6
(6949)c
285.6
(7254)d
225.6
(5730)a
249.6
(6340)b
273.6
(6949)c
285.6
(7254)d
246.6 (6264) 261.0
(6629)e
285.0
(7239)f
a
140.8” (3576 mm) wheel baseb164.8” (4186 mm) wheel basec188.8” (4795 mm) wheel based200.8” (5100 mm) wheel basee176.2” (4475 mm) wheel basef200.2” (5085 mm) wheel base
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
299